More horror stories are pouring in unabated from Iraq. Gunmen have executed up to 50 Sunnis in an ethnically divided Iraqi town, in what appeared to be a horrific revenge attack for the slaughtering of 75 mainly Shia Muslims in a double-truck bombing only hours before, reports The Times. "In signs that the sectarian conflict in the north-western Iraqi community of Tal … [Read more...] about US ‘Surges’ & Iraq’s Violence ‘Upsurges’
Poll: Public Overwhelmingly Supports Congressional Prosecutors Firing Probe
Yet another poll has come out that indicates the Bush administration is taking a hard-line stance that is at odds with the majority of the American people -- this time on the ongoing furor over the firing of Republican prosecutors who some believe were axed because they didn't go after Democratic politicians fast enough and even went after some Republicans: Americans … [Read more...] about Poll: Public Overwhelmingly Supports Congressional Prosecutors Firing Probe
Irish Pax
David Hicks Pleas Guilty
After two of his three lawyers were dismissed from the case. One for refusing to agree to rules that hadn't been written yet. Wow. Wow. … [Read more...] about David Hicks Pleas Guilty
The Problem with Alternative Energy “Sources”
Cross-posted to Random Fate. --- I've always been a big advocate of efficiency in resource use and minimal generation of pollution because it's not simply poor form to crap in your own bed, in the long term it is deadly, regardless of what those who would like to think otherwise say. On the face of it, increased use of ethanol seems very promising in reducing at least … [Read more...] about The Problem with Alternative Energy “Sources”
Senate Narrowly Approves Iraq Withdrawal Timeline (UPDATED)
It was only a victory of two votes -- but the two votes were enough to change the political equation in Washington:Defying a veto threat, the Democratic-controlled Senate narrowly signaled support Tuesday for the withdrawal of U.S. combat troops from Iraq by next March. Republican attempts to scuttle the non-binding timeline failed on a vote of 50-48, largely along party … [Read more...] about Senate Narrowly Approves Iraq Withdrawal Timeline (UPDATED)
Find Out What Bloggers In Iraq And Afghanistan Have To Say
Visit the Carnival of the Liberated. … [Read more...] about Find Out What Bloggers In Iraq And Afghanistan Have To Say
The Soviet Union of Venezuela
Rule by decree. One-party rule. Seizure of private property. Since winning re-election in last December's election -- or, rather, "election," total sham that it was -- Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has worked hard to ensure that there is neither liberalism nor democracy in his country. He calls it his "Bolivarean" revolution, but tyranny is a better name for it. On his … [Read more...] about The Soviet Union of Venezuela
Soldiers Being Tricked Out Of Military Benefits?
Sounds ridiculous, but it's reportedly happening to our brave men and women with preexisting "personality disorders."Eventually the rocket shrapnel was removed from Town’s neck and his ears stopped leaking blood. But his hearing never really recovered, and in many ways, neither has his life. A soldier honored twelve times during his seven years in uniform, Town has spent the … [Read more...] about Soldiers Being Tricked Out Of Military Benefits?
Will Rice Succeed?
I don't think it's worth paying much attention to Condoleezza Rice's trip to Israel-Palestine. Why? Because Rice doesn't have a chance in hell of waging a solution to the conflict. The problem lies with the fact that the Bush administration has very little credibility amongst Palestinians. American officials have put relentless pressure on the Palestinian government to stop … [Read more...] about Will Rice Succeed?
Romancing Fred Thompson
Unsatisfied with McCain, Giuliani, and Romney -- although perhaps not Brownback -- Republicans are searching desperately for a suitably conservative candidate to run in '08. Enter: Fred Thompson of Law & Order, Die Hard 2, and The Hunt for Red October. The hardest of the hardcore love him. Consider what Powerline's Paul Mirengoff has to say about the former Watergate … [Read more...] about Romancing Fred Thompson
Liberals prevail in Quebec election
Here's the latest from the CBC: -- Liberal Party (48 seats; 33.08% of the vote) -- Action Démocratique du Québec (41 seats; 30.80% of the vote) -- Parti Québécois (36 seats; 28.32% of the vote) Premier Jean Charest's centrist and federalist Liberals thus win a second mandate, although they will govern in the minority in a closely divided National Assembly (the … [Read more...] about Liberals prevail in Quebec election
Is the Surge Working?
It just might: The US military has captured the leaders of a car-bombing ring blamed for killing hundreds of Iraqis. The news came as the departing US ambassador said Americans are in ongoing talks with insurgent representatives to try to persuade them to turn against al-Qaeda. Khalilzad said the talks have shifted from “unreasonable demandsâ€? by the groups for a US … [Read more...] about Is the Surge Working?
White House Spokesman Tony Snow’s Cancer Has Returned
Bad news for White House Press spokesman Tony Snow, news that transcends political battles:Presidential spokesman Tony Snow's surgery to remove a small growth showed that his cancer has returned, the White House said Tuesday. Snow, 51, had his colon removed in 2005 and underwent six months of chemotherapy after being diagnosed with colon cancer. A small growth was discovered … [Read more...] about White House Spokesman Tony Snow’s Cancer Has Returned
Dump Your Babies Here
The Times (London) has a quite shocking article up, describing that "desperate mothers are being urged to drop their unwanted babies through hatches at hospitals in an effort to halt a spate of infanticides that has shocked Germany." So far, at least 23 babies have been killed this year. Many of them "beaten to death or strangled by their mothers before being dumped on … [Read more...] about Dump Your Babies Here
Center of Attention
A round up of recent reporting and commentary by a few centrist, moderate, and independent bloggers. Jeff Jarvis is miffed about this instance of old media censoring new media. In the realm of religion, before tearing out after Neal Boortz on whether or not he is (as self-proclaimed) a Libertarian, Gun Toting Liberal spotlights some examples of extreme (ridiculous and … [Read more...] about Center of Attention
Can Monica Take the Fifth?
Does Department of Justice White House liaison Monica Goodling have the right to invoke the Fifth Amendment against self incrimination in the U.S. attorney scandal. Absolutely. But has Goodling properly invoked the Fifth? Apparently not. This is because Goodling’s lawyer is claiming that she is ready, willing and able to tell the truth, but will take the Fifth not … [Read more...] about Can Monica Take the Fifth?
Political Surge: Poll Puts Thompson Number Three Among Republicans
You could say that a surge seems to be happening here in the United States as well....a political surge...in the GOP, where former Senator and TV actor Fred Thompson is coming on strong, according to USA Today's Gallup Guru:Our latest weekend USA Today/Gallup poll is full of interesting insights into American public opinion. Tops among them may be the changing landscape of the … [Read more...] about Political Surge: Poll Puts Thompson Number Three Among Republicans
Hicks Cops a Plea; Bush Cops a Victory
David Hicks sits with his lawyer at Guantánamo Bay Freedom loving people can applaud Australian David Hicks' guilty plea, the first time a Guantánamo Bay prisoner has admitted to supporting Al Qaeda since the flagship prison of the Rumsfeld Gulag opened more than five years ago. The plea to one charge of material support for terrorism is a victory for the Bush … [Read more...] about Hicks Cops a Plea; Bush Cops a Victory
This Just In!
THIS JUST IN from investigative reporter Andy Borowitz:Bush Offers U.S. Attorneys New Positions in Iraq Attempt to Calm Furor over Mass Sacking In a bold attempt to end the controversy over the sacking of eight United States attorneys, President George W. Bush today offered the fired prosecutors what he called “exciting new positionsâ€? in Iraq. With the President … [Read more...] about This Just In!